G. David Felt

Lovely Photo's that is one SWEET RIDE!

SMK you ALWAYS say MB is the best. Yet in using BING and GOOGLE I can only find the following information: From 1954 to 1955 2 formula F1 wins of their own cars, engines, etc. till they withdrew after the 1955 crash at Lemans. Returned as an engine supplier in 1994 only. So according to Wikipedia, they have 100 wins as an engine supplier, two as constructor and four as drivers of Mercedes Benze sponsored Auto's. So with this if accurate I can see where you would say they have great engines, but the best? I have a hard time saying that. Where is MB wins for Nascar? Where is MB wins for NHRA drag racing? Where is MB wins for Kart racing? Where is MB wins for Truck Racing? Where is MB wins for Monster Trucks? Where is MB wins for Stock car? Yes both companies have been building auto's for a long time, both have been in and out of auto racing. both have had some quality success and quality disgrace issues. Yet I see more GM racing than MB racing and GM seems to be building more auto's and sales. thought I realize that based on your logic than VW should be superior to MB since they are the worlds largest auto company followed by Toyota, GM and MB flipping places quarter to quarter. If MB is better in every way all the time than GM specifically Cadillac, then why is it so hard to find MB in the larger racing circuits that is followed by more people and why do they not seem to be well known for racing? People consider MB a Luxury auto maker here in the US and their entry in the eco space on up and the commercial space is going to change peoples perception of MB.

Top Gear was fun in the early years but have not watched it the last 3+ years as it was just not that entertaining any longer. If the courts overturn what has been pretty standard in Bankruptcy and allows the new GM to have lawsuits filed against it over the ignition switch issue, then GM needs to go back to all the Executives and recover all the money they paid out to every executive down to mgmt that had a hand in this and take all bonuses and salary. They failed and do not deserve to keep their money if GM has to deal with this since it was on their watch that these idiots including the bean counters made these decisions. Excited for the NY Auto show.

pistols

My Favorite road and has been voted one of the top 10 drives in North America is the Cascade Loop. From Ocean to mountains on the North Cascade Highway and back over Highway 2. You get to go through a still very much western town with wooden sidewalks called Winthrop and enjoy the wineries of Lake Chelan and then back through Leavenworth and over Stevens pass back to the ocean in Everett. http://www.cascadeloop.com/

Let Cadillac refine and build their own Turbo 4 to V8 Engine line for the US market and then take it to Europe and pounce on MB and BMW.

Janet Jackson

You may want to take the time to study this engine as it is not the same as stated and very advanced and compact. So a much more modern engine than the going backwards to cast iron I 6 engines that MB and BMW are doing together.

Why based on the camry? Would the system not be a version of the Highlander Hybrid system or is that also the same as the camry?

Welcome 57caddy, this is a great place as most of us have our projects and love to learn and debate the new auto industry changes. Will look forward to reading and discussing with you on the threads.

Looks presentably priced to do the new auto wraps. You could have a wrap made of your band and have it put on and boom. Instant Marketing everywhere you go.

Saw a Plymouth Scamp GT today driven by a baby boomer. Still in really good shape. Was surprised. The wife asked me what that was as she had never seen one before. I told her it was a flash back to the early 80's.

Will have to say that this is a much better dash with the floating NAV than they have done in the past. Yet even with that said, the exterior is boring and dated. Sad that this refresh is so pathetic.

You are so WRONG! They have been sharing parts and buying together since it hit the news in 2008! http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1023247_mercedes-and-bmw-already-making-joint-purchases-parts-sharing-next You can BING it or GOOGLE it and find plenty of parts sharing between these two companies due to cost reduction efforts that make sense. Even their V12 engines are using core common parts such as the block.

How is the initial first impression when you get in and close the door? Every time I get in one, it sounds like a cheap tin can and rattles, noise, etc. Just screams YUGO!

Percy Jackson

New Design language is the right start for them to get noticed and this needs to go with quality. If they have the right design language to get noticed and quality then they will see sales climb.

Very True, you go the the car museum here and it is amazing to hear people talk about all the straight line engines and how old, out of date technology it is before they figures V engines were better. I honestly do not see MB going back to straight 6 as a benefit for them and have to think there is something else going on here. Sounds Like MB and BMW are sharing motors to save money due to their high cost of union labor.

Deep Fry

They are right on both accounts. I think the Outback would be the best approach for them in a 7 seater. Good Luck!

Wonder if it will show up in any of the games kids play on Xbox or Playstation? Should be a hit for FORD here in the US. With Mitsu appearing to be dropping the Evo unless I miss understand their news over the last year it would have left Suby all alone with the STI. This is good to see FORD bring this here. I wish GM has an AWD Pocket Rocket.

So Jersey does not allow currently Tesla to sell there so people are going cross state lines to buy one and using normal slow home charging? The map seems to show Tesla stores in NJ. Very weird. I just find it hard to think of only driving 200 miles and then having to wait 20-30 min to recharge at a supercharger station or longer if any other style of charger. I will give them credit that this is the best to date, but we really need to push the battery technology and speed of recharging to make this work better.

Very Interesting, looks like it will eat up some trunk space. Probably not have the ability to fold down the seats for larger items but for MPG aware drivers should do very well for fleets and commuters. Excited that they are finally moving the VOLT technology into more auto's.

Loaded

G. David Felt Alternative Fuels & Propulsion writer www.CheersandGears.com Tesla Model S Has YOU COVERED! REALLY? Tesla sent out the following email this week about how they have you covered with electric charging stations all over North America. Yet while the Email touts their Range assurance and Trip Planner to have a successful pure EV road trip, I was asking myself is this really true? Tesla Email The Tesla has you Covered web page tends to state the following numbers. 90% of owners are within 175 miles of a supercharger station. 96% of owners within 175 miles of a supercharger or destination charger. Tesla states that while most cars do not improve over time, their auto's actually do by getting faster, smarter and better due to Tesla's over the air software updates. While I will take no issue with the updates adding features, improving the over all performance of their electric system, or even their new applications that all Tesla Owners received on the pushed update being Range Assurance which works in the back ground while you drive communicating with the Supercharger and destination chargers and keep you aware of which ones are available as well as which ones are in heavy use or inactive so that you do not drive out of range and have no charge. Tesla says this is how they take care of their customers through innovation and intelligence. Tesla states the following: Over the next 12 months, all of Europe and North America (excluding northern Alaska) will be covered, as well as China (apart from low population areas far inland), the Japan main islands and southern Australia. They believe it is their responsibility to guide you to the closest available charging station relative to your trip route which is where their new Trip Planner comes in telling you the best route to take to make sure you have charging capability even if it is not the most direct or fastest route. Tesla does go onto state that Supercharger stations take 20 to 30 min to full charge which goes well when you have driven 3 to 4 hrs and want to use the restroom, get a bite to eat or take a break and stretch your legs. Destination chargers take 4 to 12 hrs depending on type. Yet I found when reviewing their live map that many of the so called charging stations are either private slow chargers for customers only or expected future chargers by states or fed programs. This brings up how far do we let a company push their marketing agenda to sells auto's over reality of what is really available? Should Tesla also state which ones are a charge for fee versus just stating a charging system is available? Seems some resorts and businesses will let you charge for free while others you have to pay. Another question I have is people willing to go to small places they would usually not stop at only due to not having a charging system in a major city? Example of this is that Spokane Washington and Coeur d'Alene Idaho have charging systems in place at resorts for guests only and yet if you want a charge you have to stop in Ritzville to charge first before you make your Spokane destination if you are not staying at the lone single resort that has a charging system. A stop that is 61 miles before Spokane clearly reducing your EV Range or 93 miles before reaching Coeur d'Alene Idaho giving you about 50% battery left and very much minimizing the ability to sight see. What are your thoughts? Is Tesla right in marketing a charging map with various degrees of accuracy?